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Video by Bernie Kale

AROLL Governor signs agreement backing Alaska’s military support network

Alaska National Guard

Sept. 11, 2014 | 1:05

Gov Parnell Sound Clips (3)

Governor Sean Parnell signed a memorandum of agreement Thursday, to recognize the accomplishments of Alaska Forget Me Not, a coalition for military members and families, at the Arctic Warrior Event Center, here.

Parnell along with Brig. Gen. Mike Bridges, Alaska National Guard’s acting adjutant general, were present for the signing of the support agreement to acknowledge the positive steps the coalition has made for the military community.

“What you are seeing here, is a group of service providers who are willing to say we as a community, support you.” Parnell said. “We support the efforts to restore, to heal, and to be together in this fight.”

Bridges spoke specifically to coalition members about the importance of their programs to veterans who live in the remote villages in Alaska.

“Without the care of this coalition, and all the parts of it, to help these great American Soldiers, we would lose them,” Bridges said. “Because of your willingness as agencies and individuals willingness to do so.”

Parnell encouraged the coalition members to continue providing much needed programs to current military members, veterans, and their families to ensure all services are readily available.

“I’m signing this memorandum knowing that there are many coalition members here as well,” Parnell said. “Who as Alaskans say, we love you, we support you, and we will always be there with you.”

Alaska Forget Me Not also works to identify gaps in available programs and duplication of efforts to make sure services maximize their program’s impact.